You don't realise just how ridiculous the idea of robbing someone of $20 million is until you see Tower Heist .
Sure movies like the Oceans series suggest it can be done but we're talking about a bunch of disgruntled former hotel employees and a petty thief trying to access a safe in a penthouse which is guarded by the FBI.
But that's what Josh Kovacs (Ben Stiller) decides to do when billionaire Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda) squanders all of the employees' pension fund.
With a motley crew of accomplices - a con Slide (Eddie Murphy), his brother-in-law Charlie (Casey Affleck), failed investor Mr Fitzhugh (Matthew Broderick), ex Burger King employee Enrique (Michael Pena) and Jamaican maid Odessa (Gabourey Sidibe) - they attempt to steal back the money they are owed.
Also caught up in the madness is Agent Claire Denham (Tea Leoni), who inadvertently gives Kovacs the idea to rob Shaw.
Reality pretty much has to be left at the door when you walk in but it is a pretty fun ride.
Stiller is in his element here, he's not trying to be an outrageous character. In fact, he's pretty much the straight man once Murphy is involved.
It's an interesting bunch of casting as well but it seems to gel, with Matthew Broderick playing a bit of a Ferris Bueller all grown up but now bankrupt character.
There are several quite amazing scenes and in one particular scene all I could think is 'there is no way anyone could get away with this is real life'. Anyway, if you're looking for a bit of light hearted escapism then this isn't a bad one. A 7 out of 10.
Sure movies like the Oceans series suggest it can be done but we're talking about a bunch of disgruntled former hotel employees and a petty thief trying to access a safe in a penthouse which is guarded by the FBI.
But that's what Josh Kovacs (Ben Stiller) decides to do when billionaire Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda) squanders all of the employees' pension fund.
With a motley crew of accomplices - a con Slide (Eddie Murphy), his brother-in-law Charlie (Casey Affleck), failed investor Mr Fitzhugh (Matthew Broderick), ex Burger King employee Enrique (Michael Pena) and Jamaican maid Odessa (Gabourey Sidibe) - they attempt to steal back the money they are owed.
Also caught up in the madness is Agent Claire Denham (Tea Leoni), who inadvertently gives Kovacs the idea to rob Shaw.
Reality pretty much has to be left at the door when you walk in but it is a pretty fun ride.
Stiller is in his element here, he's not trying to be an outrageous character. In fact, he's pretty much the straight man once Murphy is involved.
It's an interesting bunch of casting as well but it seems to gel, with Matthew Broderick playing a bit of a Ferris Bueller all grown up but now bankrupt character.
There are several quite amazing scenes and in one particular scene all I could think is 'there is no way anyone could get away with this is real life'. Anyway, if you're looking for a bit of light hearted escapism then this isn't a bad one. A 7 out of 10.
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